Xbox Live Silver Members Offered Free Online Play

Microsoft is intent on convincing all Xbox 360 owners to sign up for the Xbox Live Gold service, and the firm’s "Friendship is Free" program may do just that.

The program, scheduled to run until the end of December, allows those gamers with free Xbox Live Silver accounts to enjoy online play in a handful of Xbox 360 games including the phenomenal Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix.

Other games on offer include Bomberman Live, free shooter Aegis Wing, city-building strategy title A Kingdom for Keflings, Hardwood Hearts and Spades, Uno and Contra-esque action title Small Arms.

I don’t want to strong arm anyone into picking up a Gold membership, but for those without one, at least give Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix a try. You’ll be shocked at how smooth and generally lag-free the online fighting is.

Correction: It appears that I can’t read a calendar. The program runs until the end of December.